Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1863.2.2 |
Collection |
U.S. Presidents |
Object Name |
Painting |
Title |
Preparatory Study for Equestrian Portrait of General George Washington |
Artist |
Thomas Sully |
Date |
1841 |
Year Range from |
1841 |
Description |
Preparatory Study for Equestrian Portrait of General George Washington. |
Medium |
Oil on canvas |
Dimensions |
H-17 W-13.25 inches |
Notes |
Sully's original sketch for the portrait 1863.2.1 was included in the transaction of the painting. The painting, for which the Congress was to have appropriated $2200, had been intended for the National Capital "at the close of the Polk administration," but the appropriation was denied. After it was hung on the walls of the League House Ferdinand J. Dreer and James Lawrence Claghorn arrange to purchase it for $750 through private contributions. The corporate body of the League contributed $150 toward its purchase. As a token of respect for Sully's gracious cooperation, he was made a member of The Union League. On the reverse of the sketch is still another sketch in oil, the scourging of Christ, in imitation of Trumbull's painting of the same subject. References: Edward Biddle and Mantle Fielding, The Life and Works of Thomas Sully (1783-1872) (Philadelphia, 1921), no. 1897, p. 310. Whiteman 1978, p. 55, as "General Washington at the Battle of Trenton." Torchia 2005, p. 12, color illus. |
Provenance |
Purchased from the artist, 1863 |
Legal Status |
Owned by the Union League of Philadelphia |
People |
Washington, George |